THE stars of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing brought a bit of sparkle to Birmingham on the city leg of their live UK tour.

Celebrities and their professional partners dusted off their sequins and donned their dancing shoes to dazzle a 7,000- strong audience at the LG Arena.

Current champions BBC presenter Chris Hollins and partner Ola Jordan were two of the star attractions on the first of four dates at the arena, which also included routines from actress Kelly Brook, former Eastenders stars Natalie Cassidy and Ricky Groves and ex-England rugby player Austin Healey.

The celebrities were joined by professional dancers including Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova and the tour also sees the welcome return of judge Arlene Phillips, who was controversially axed on the TV show in favour of 2007 Strictly winner Alesha Dixon.

Former Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastion revealed how she had headed into Birmingham city centre for a spot of retail therapy before the show

“I’d heard about the Bullring but I’d never been but we had a day off on Wednesday and we went along,” she said.

“It was an incredible place, and its nice for us to get out and see the places where we are performing.

“The live tour is such a huge thing and we get to perform in front of thousands of people every night. We’re doing the Viennese waltz and the dance floor on the tour is so big that we have to make sure we cover it.”

Ali’s professional partner and real-life boyfriend Brian Fortuna said he thought the show’s popularity was down to “old-school glamour”.

“Strictly is the kind of show that appeals to everyone and you can sit down in front of the TV and the whole family will enjoy it,” said Brian, who will be returning to Birmingham as part of a professional tour in May.

“It’s got old-school glitz and glamour and we have a great group of professionals, celebrities and the judges aren’t bad either.”

Also taking to the dance floor at the arena were cricketer Mark Ramprakash and partner Kristina Rihanoff, who was cheered on by rumoured boyfriend boxer Joe Calzaghe.

“The nice thing for me on the tour is that you do the same two dances every night,” said Mark.

“On the Strictly show you had just one shot, but I do still get nervous.”

Extra tickets have now gone on sale for the remaining three nights at the arena.